Reserve Deputy Sheriff Program

• WE TRAIN

• WE EQUIP

• YOU VOLUNTEER

The Office of the Sheriff is currently seeking qualified individuals for the challenging position of Reserve Deputy Sheriff.

Since 1951, Reserve Deputy's have provided the Office of the Sheriff and the communities they serve with thousands of hours of professional service.  The members of the Sheriff's Reserve Program are citizen-volunteers who give their time to increase the safety and security of their community.  The members of the group are professionals, in both their full-time and their part-time career with the Office of the Sheriff.  The members of the Sheriff's Reserve take great pride in the organization and the services that they provide.       

Members of the Reserve Program participate in all aspects of the Office of the Sheriff.  Reserve Deputies work in the patrol, custody services, courts and investigations areas of the Sheriff's Office.  Reserve Deputies also provide dedicated support services to each of the City's that contract for police services with the Office of the Sheriff (Danville, Lafayette, Oakley and Orinda. and San Ramon).  Reserve Deputies also provide support to the Air Operations and the Marine Patrol functions of the Office.  The Reserve Program also operates several specialty programs that are found only within the Reserve Program, such as the Motorcycle Enforcement Unit and the Rural Crimes Unit (ATV's).          

Like many of the other programs operated by the Office of the Sheriff, the Reserve Program emphasizes crime deterrence by providing high visibility patrol and dedicated service.  The Sheriff's Reserve Program is committed to building strong relationships and rapport within the communities of Contra Costa County.  The members of the Reserve Program are professionals who have sought a rewarding part-time career, where they participate in the fast-paced world of Law Enforcement.

The Office of the Sheriff is continually accepting Applications for the Sheriff's Reserve Program.

The Sheriff's Office provides a multitude of opportunities to those who chose to belong to the Sheriff's Reserve Program.  The Sheriff's Office provides the training and experiences that allows those who join to develop and progress within the program.  Some of the members of the Reserve Program Group have converted their part-time experiences into full-time careers with the Office of the Sheriff. 

Currently, the Sheriff's Reserve Program consists of more than sixty members.  The program meets or exceeds all of the standards established by the California Commission of Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) regarding Reserve Police Officer Programs.  Reserve Deputy Sheriff's do not have a requirement, but may request, to work in the Custody Services Bureau (the jail).  The Sheriff's Reserve Program is constantly seeking qualified members of the community who wish to participate in the program. 

Qualifications

To apply for membership with the Reserve Deputy Program you:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application for membership.

2. Must meet physical and psychological standards as set by P.O.S.T.

3. Must possess a valid California Driver's License-with a good driving history.

4. Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.

5. Must be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.

6. Must be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development (GED) test or equivalent from an accredited institution.

7. Must be free of any felony convictions and not have a history of criminal or improper personal conduct that may affect suitability for police work.

Lateral Applicants: Must possess a current POST Certificate as a Level 1,2 or 3 Reserve Police Officer in addition to the requirements listed above.

Application Process

The first step in becoming a member of the Sheriff's Reserve Program is to complete a Volunteer Services Section Application.  Applications can be obtained  by contacting the Sheriff's Office Volunteer Services Unit (925-646-4461).  After completing and signing the application, return it by mail or FAX (925-646-1120).  Your application will then be reviewed by the Sheriff's Office Staff for qualification.

Qualified applicants will be invited to an oral board.   During the oral board, the committee will review the qualifications and history of the applicant.  After this oral board, the applicant will then be asked to complete a short written examination.  The examination focus' on the ability of the applicant to write. 

After completing the written test, applicants whose overall score exceeds 70% will be placed on the eligibility list.  The Sheriff's Office will then select candidates from the eligibility list and conduct: 

•   A medical and eyesight examination by the County Health Department.

•   A psychological evaluation.

•   A polygraph examination.  

•   Fingerprinting for purposes of search of local, state, and national  fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.

•   A complete background investigation.

Training

Once accepted to the Sheriff's Reserve Program, Reserves who have not yet completed training will be identified as Level 4 Reserves.  Level 4 Reserves will be expected to attend training meetings until they begin the Reserve Training Course.  Once the Training Course begins, those Level 4 Reserves who complete the 162 hours of training will be appointed as Sheriff's Level 3 Reserve Deputies.  These Level 3 Reserves will then be provided the same uniform and equipment as is provided to regular Deputy Sheriff's. 

As part of the Sheriff's commitment to the Reserve Program, it is our intent to provide all levels of Reserve Training to our volunteers.  The Sheriff's Reserve Deputy Program will encourage and assist volunteers to increase their training and experience, allowing them to rise within the Reserve Deputy Program.  Reserve Deputies are eligible to attend the same training courses offered to the full-time employees of the organization.      

As Reserve Deputies rise to the status of being a Level 1 Reserve, they will have completed the same amount of training as a full-time Deputy.  Like the full-time Deputy, the Reserve Deputy will then be enrolled in the same Field Training Officer Program to develop hone those skills that had been taught during training sessions. 

The training academy is a fast-paced, para-military training environment.  During the training, students will be exposed to the academic requirements of being a Peace Officer in the State of California.  Students will also receive training in criminal law, investigative techniques, and all aspects of law enforcement.  The training is presented by the best instructors from within the Office of the Sheriff and other Law Enforcement Agencies within Contra Costa County.   

Equipment

Police equipment and uniforms are provided to the volunteer by the Office of the Sheriff.  Sheriff's Reserve Deputies receive an annual uniform allowance for the maintenance of issued equipment and uniforms.   

Commitment

Reserve Deputy Sheriff's are expected to work a minimum of twenty (20) hours per month.  These hours consist of one mandatory meeting and sixteen (16) hours of duty.  During the mandatory monthly meeting, Reserve Deputy Sheriff's receive training in a variety of areas and functions.   

Benefits

It is the intent of the Sheriff's Office to provide as many opportunities to those wishing to volunteer as Reserve Deputy Sheriff's as possible.  The Reserve Deputy Sheriff Program will provide you with many opportunities to serve your community, develop additional life skills and to obtain specialized training and experiences.  Some Reserve Deputies have enjoyed their experience so much that they have continued on to full-time employment with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office or other Police Agencies.   

Are you trusted, responsible and respected?  If you are, the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office can offer you a challenging and rewarding experience.

The Volunteer Services Unit is continually accepting applications for the Reserve Deputy Program. 

 VOLUNTEER SERVICES APPLICATION

 Fill out the application and either mail or delivery the application to:

          Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office
          Volunteer Services Unit
          50 Glacier Drive
          Martinez, CA. 94553

For any questions contact: Volunteer Services Coordinator
                                              (925) 646-4461

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